Sold For $2,505
*Includes Buyers Premium
American inventor, actor, and entrepreneur (1811-1875) known for his important improvements to the sewing machine, who founded the Singer Sewing Machine Company. Scarce ALS in pencil, signed “I. M. Singer,” two pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, Office of Singer's Sewing Machines letterhead, May 8, 1863. Handwritten letter regarding a sewing machine invention, in full: "I. M. Singer & Co., in my letter of yesterday I described a gage for gathering on pise of goods on to an other pise and forgot to mention the following concerning the working of it, the size of gathers depends some…on the length of the stish as well as the amount of presure put upon the preser foot and the edge of the gage must be set one sixteenth of an insh in front of the needle. This leves room for the gather to form." On the reverse of the integral leaf, Signer adds: "Send all communications to this offise for me…I. M. S.," and: "I send a coppy of my Brittish patent of the provishonal protection specification, please have it put with patent papers." In fine condition, with light show-through along the left edge from an old mounting strip on the reverse.
Isaac Merritt Singer revolutionized the sewing industry with his innovative improvements to the sewing machine. In 1851, he patented a design that significantly enhanced the machine's efficiency and usability, introducing a foot pedal for hands-free operation and a straight needle that moved up and down rather than side to side. These advancements made sewing machines more practical for domestic use and set the stage for mass production in the garment industry.
The invention quickly gained popularity, and by 1856, Singer's company had become the world's largest manufacturer of sewing machines. Seeking to expand his business internationally, Singer moved to England in the early 1860s. His relocation to Europe allowed him to tap into the burgeoning markets there, further solidifying his company's dominance on a global scale. Singer's entrepreneurial spirit and inventive genius left a lasting legacy, transforming textile manufacturing and home sewing practices worldwide.
From the personal collection of a lifelong collector, teacher, and traveler with a passion for world history. His collecting years ranged from the 1970s to the present day, meaning that several of the premier pieces have not been on the market in decades.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
(inquire for price)
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
